This incredible safari lodge offers luxury, but not for profit

In the realm of travel stays, “not-for-profit” tends to mean roughing it.

But a safari outfit in South Africa is defying this idea, unveiling a luxurious private lodge, the profits from which go straight into supporting the environment surrounding it.

Eco-credentials with no scrimping on comfort.

Family-owned and operated Lepogo Lodges is a company with “sustainable conservation” as its aim.

One hundred per cent of profits are reinvested into the reserve in which it operates to support wildlife, the environment and the community.

Opened in 2019, the company’s five-villa Noka Camp was its first in Lapalala Wilderness Reserve, a 50,000-hectare conservation area in the Limpopo region, 300 kilometres north of Johannesburg.

Communal kitchen.

Comprising farmland bought and rehabilitated by conservationists Dale Parker and Clive Walker who began their mission in the 1980s, there’s a stipulation that only three commercial lodges will ever be on the reserve.

All profits are channelled back into the local environment and communities.

Lepogo Lodges’ latest is Melote House, an exclusive-use property that sleeps 16 across a main house and separate cottage. (There is one other operator in the reserve, the tented Tintswalo Camp.)

Two swimming pools, various outdoor seating areas, a lookout deck, spa area, fully equipped gym, private wine cellar and bar are just some of the luxuries in a property created by a consortium of top design firms.

Comfort by design.

But it’s also designed to be as sustainable as possible with planted roofs and rammed-earth walls for natural thermal stability and reduced use of energy that is generated on site.

Interiors feature works by local artists.

Clive Walker, who co-founded Lapalala and also The Endangered Wildlife Trust, painted a scene of the landscape surrounding the lodge that has been printed on fabric used in interiors.

Custom-made bed throws and table linen feature work by local artists and artisans, as do specially commissioned artworks adorning walls and surfaces.

In-house meals.

Among them is Stephen Rew, a recipient of the David Shepherd Wildlife Artist of the Year award.

Conservation initiatives include funding research, land rehabilitation and the sponsorship of a pangolin rehabilitation centre which should open this year.

Lepogo Lodges also carbon offsets guest flights with three local initiatives being the recipients.

Game drives, river safaris and guided bush walks are available, while creature comforts are taken care of a casa by dedicated staff.

There’s even an electric buggy on standby for safe passage around the property, should animals be grazing on the planted roofs.

From about $18,000 a night, all-inclusive for the entire lodge. ​See lepogolodges.com​